Comparative phytochemistry of the genus Sideritis from the Canary Islands

Nine species, drawn from two sections of the genus Sideritis (Labiatae) from the Canary Islands were examined. Terpenoids, sterols, flavonoids, coumarins and lignans were isolated. From the chemosystematic point of view the Sideritis species were divided into three groups. The first was formed by S. argosphacelus and S. macrostachya, the second by S. bolleana, S. canariensis, S. candicans, S. candicans var. TFC 3890, S. dasygnaphala and S. dendrochahorra, while the third contained S. gomerae and S. cabrerae.     

New diterpenes from Sideritis candicans

The three new diterpenes candol-A (ent-16-kauren-7α-ol, I), candol-B (ent-16-kauren-18-ol, III) and epicandicandiol 7β-monoacetate (ent-7α-acetoxy-16-kauren-18-ol, V) as well as epicandicandiol (VII) have been isolated from Sideritis candicans.     

Diterpenes from sideritis dendrochahorra and s. cystosiphon

A new diterpene, sidendrodiol (ent-16β,18-dihydroxykaur-11-ene), has been isolated from Sideritis dendrochahorra. From S. cystosiphon two new diterpenic esters, the 18-palmitate of epicandicandiol and the diacetate of epicandicandiol have been identified. The ¹³CNMR spectra of ent-16β-hydroxykaur-11-ene and ent-16β-hydroxykaurane derivatives have been assigned.     

New diterpenes from Sideritis sicula

Two new diterpenes have been isolated from Sideritis sicula: sideripol, ent-18-acetoxy-7α-hydroxykaur-15-ene and epoxysideritriol, ent-15β,16β-epoxykauran-7α,17,18-triol. The previously known diterpene eubol, ent-7α-acetoxykaur-16-en-15β,18 diol has also been obtained from the same source.     

Secondary Metabolites,Glandular Trichomes and Biological Activity of Sideritis montana L. subsp. montana from Central Italy

Sideritis montana subsp. montana is a small annual herb occurring in countries bordering the Mediterranean and Balkan regions. The secondary metabolism of this plant has not been fully explored so far. The aim of the present study was to understand the complex mixture of secondary metabolites and the type of secretory structures. The polar constituents were isolated by column chromatography from the ethanolic extract, and their structure was elucidated by NMR and MS. The essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC/MS. The plant indumentum was studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. To complete the work, the essential oil antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity on tumor cells were evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and MTT methods. Four different classes of secondary metabolites were isolated, namely flavonoids, caffeoylquinic derivatives, glycosidic hydroquinones and iridoids. The essential oil was mainly characterized by sesquiterpenene hydrocarbons. Peltate and long‐capitate hairs were the main sites where terpenes and polar constituents are produced. The secondary metabolites found in S. montana subsp. montana are of chemotaxonomic interest, some of them being typical of the genus Sideritis. The trichomes types observed partially differ from those described in other members of the genus Sideritis. The essential oil showed noteworthy inhibition on tumor cells.     

Chemotaxonomic contribution to the Sideritis species dilemma on the Balkans

Forty-two samples of Sideritis species (Sideritis scardica, Sideritis raeseri, Sideritis syriaca, Sideritis taurica and Sideritis lanata) from the Balkan Peninsula were evaluated for their polyphenolic profiles in order to establish a correlation between the taxonomy, geographical location and nature and content of phenolic compounds.Eight compounds were detected in all analyzed Sideritis samples: 5-caffeoylquinic acid, lavandulifolioside, verbascoside, isoscutellarein 7-O-allosyl(1→2)glucoside, hypolaetin 7-O-[6‴-O-acetyl]-allosyl(1→2)glucoside, isoscutellarein 7-O-[6‴-O-acetyl]-allosyl(1→2)glucoside, 3′-O-methylhypolaetin 7-O-[6‴-O-acetyl]-allosyl(1→2)glucoside and 4′-O-methylhypolaetin 7-O-[6‴-O-acetyl]-allosyl-(1→2)-[6″-O-acetyl]-glucoside). They present from 50 to 80% of total phenolic content in S. scardica, S. raeseri, S. syriaca and S. taurica and up to 90% in S. lanata and the similarity of their polyphenolic profiles implies that they are systematically very closely related.Based on their polyphenolic patterns, very good differentiation between the samples of S. lanata (sect. Hesiodia) and S. scardica, S. syriaca and S. raeseri (sect. Empedoclia) was observed, that is mainly due to the very high content of 5-cafeoylquinic acid and very low amount of phenylethanoid glycosides and flavonoid glycosides.The obtained results demonstrate considerable degree of similarity between S. scardica, S. raeseri and Bulgarian S. syriaca that give contribution to the dilemma that Bulgarian S. syriaca is very similar to Turkish S. taurica and suggest further verification of its taxonomic status.     

Four new labdane diterpene oxides from Sideritis gomerae

Four new labdane diterpene oxides gomeraidehyde, 13-epigomeraldehyde, gomeric acid and 13-epigomeric acid as well as eperu-13-ene-8β,15-diol were isolated from the aerial part of Sideritis gomerae.     

Diterpenoids from Sideritis foetens

From the aerial parts of Sideritis foetens, the previously known ent-13(16),14-labdadiene-6α,8α,18-triol (andalusol) has been isolated. In addition, two new natural andalusol monoacetates and the novel ent-6α-acetoxy-13(16),14-labdadiene-3β,8α-diol have also been obtained from the same source. The structures of these new diterpenoids have been established by chemical and spectroscopic means.     

Two new glycosides from the whole plant of Anemone rivularis var. flore-minore

Phytochemical investigation on the whole plant of Anemone rivularis var. flore-minore led to the isolation of a new labdane-type diterpene glycoside (1) and a new trihydroxyfuranoid lignanoid glycoside (2), together with three known triterpene and triterpenoid glycosides (3–5). The structures of the two new compounds were elucidated as β-d-glucopyranosyl (13S)-13-hydroxy-7-oxo-labda-8,14-diene-18-oate (1) and (7S,7′R,8R,8′S)-7′-butoxy-7,9′-epoxy-4,4′,9-trihydroxy-3,3′-dimethoxylignane 9-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), on the basis of extensive spectral analysis and chemical evidence. Compound 1 is characterized by a glucose (Glc) esterified C-18 carboxyl group, which is a rarely encountered labdane-type diterpene glycoside in nature. The two new compounds (1 and 2) reported here are the first examples of diterpene glycoside and lignanoid glycoside found in the genus Anemone, and the known triterpene and triterpenoid glycosides (3–5) are identified for the first time from the title plant.     

Epoxy-isosidol: A new diterpenoid from Sideritis biflora

The new diterpenoid ent-3β-acetoxy-7α,18-dihydroxy-15β,16-epoxykaurane has been isolated from Sideritis biflora. Twelve previously known ent-kaurane derivatives have also been obtained from the same source.     

Hybridization between Sideritis serrata Lag. and Sideritis bourgaeana Boiss. (Lamiaceae) in Their Hybrid Zone in Spain

Sideritis rodriguezii Borja is a natural hybrid between S.serrata Lag and S. bourgaeana Boiss. The hybrid index is usedto separate parentals, F₁ hybrids and the individuals producedby back-crossing. Hybridization takes place in a hybrid zone100 m long 200 m wide. Two groups of hybrids were recorded,the first resembling S. bourgaeana and the second being morphologicallyintermediate between the parents. Hybrids are abundant in clumps,with higher densities in which both parents grow close together. Sideritis serrata Lag, Sideritis bourgaeana Boiss, hybridization, hybrid zone, S.E. Spain, hybrid index     

Occurrence of a potent piscicidal diterpenedial in the liverwort Riccardia lobata var. Yakushimensis

Sacculatal and isosacculatal, two diterpene dialdehydes, have been isolated from the liverwort Riccardia lobata var. yakushimensis as the major components. Orizia latipes ( killie fish) is killed within 2 hr by a 0.4 ppm solution of sacculatal. It is suggested that R. lobata var. yakushimensis and Pellia endiviifolia might have originated from a common ancestor since the latter produces the same sacculatals as the former species.     

Respiratory enzyme activities correlate with anoxia tolerance in salt marsh grasses

Salt marsh communities are known for well-defined species zonation patterns. Lower limits of plant growth are thought to be set by an ability to tolerate anoxic sediments, but the physiological differences between species have not previously been examined. To investigate responses to anoxic sediments, several estuarine species were grown in greenhouse experiments to compare how respiratory processes were affected by flooding. Metabolic characteristics related to respiration and anoxia tolerance were studied in the emergent estuarine species Spartina alterniflora, S. anglica, S. densiflora, S. foliosa, S. alterniflora × S. foliosa hybrids, S. patens, and Distichlis spicata and compared to the inland species maize (Zea mays). All species showed a strong ability to respire anaerobically, indicating flooding tolerance. High intertidal marsh species had significantly higher root aerobic respiration enzyme activities compared to low intertidal species that may suggest lower aerobic demand in low marsh species. Some higher marsh species showed an apparent high sensitivity to sulfide that may be related to high cytochrome c oxidase activities. In contrast, the low marsh species S. alterniflora and S. anglica had lower aerobic respiration enzyme activities and a lower sensitivity to sulfide. Thus differences in aerobic demand and sulfide sensitivity may influence estuarine species zonation.     

大明竹属遗传多样性ISSR分析及DNA指纹图谱研究

利用对竹类有较好多态性的18条引物及已优化的ISSR反应体系和扩增程序,分析大明竹属25种竹的遗传多样性。研究结果：共扩增出重复性好的多态位点高达88.3%,平均每个引物扩增8.61个,DNA分子量在160-3000 bp,此25种竹类的平均遗传距离为0.5006,变异幅度为0.1486-0.7191,说明大明竹属具有高的遗传多样性,种间遗传相对复杂。ISSR结果聚类分析,在遗传距离0.5396处将25种竹划分为3类,与形态分类结果大致一致,说明ISSR技术能精确检测大明竹属部分植物的遗传多样性及亲缘关系,有助于该属的分类。试验用U807、U815、U835、U836、U840、U841、U844 7条引物构建大明竹属25种竹的数字指纹识别码,为大明竹属部分植物的分类及种质鉴定提供参考。     

Diterpenoids from sideritis pusilla subsp. flavovirens

Several new 14-hydroxybeyerene acetates have been isolated from the aerial parts of Sideritis pusilla subsp. flavovirens. In addition, an ent-kaur-15-ene (siderol) and a new ent-7α, 18-dihydroxybeyer-15-ene (flavovirol) have been obtained from the same source. The structures of these new acetates have been established by chemical and spectroscopic means and the structure of flavovirol has been confirmed by ¹³C NMR.     

Karyotype analysis of medicinal plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Liriope spicata</Emphasis> var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">prolifera</Emphasis> (Liliaceae)

Karyotype of Liriope spicata var. prolifera, a Chinese endemic species, was described in detail for the first time. Its proto-variety L. spicata was also investigated for comparison. The basic chromosome number of these two species was x = 18. L. spicata var. prolifera, recorded as triploid 2n = 54, consisted of 30 metacentric chromosomes and 24 submetacentric chromosomes. Only one chromosome of the 11th group had a secondary constriction with a satellite in the short arm. L. Spicata was tetraploid 2n = 72 and consisted of four sets of 6 submetacentric chromosomes and 12 metacentric chromosomes without visible satellites. This paper provides further available data on Liriope chromosomes, and also indicates that L. spicata var. prolifera and L. spicata are probably separate species.     

New diterpenes from Sideritis canariensis

Two new diterpenes ribenol [3α-hydroxy-(?)-13-epimanoyl oxide] (I)and 7β-acetoxy-18-hydroxytrachylobane (IX) as well as the known (?)-13-epimanoyl oxide (IV) have been isolated from Sideritis canariensis Ait.     

Multilocus sequence analyses reveal several unnamed Mesorhizobium genospecies nodulating Acacia species and Sesbania sesban trees in Southern regions of Ethiopia

Leguminous trees play an important role in agroforestry in Ethiopia, but studies of their rhizobial symbionts are scarce. In earlier studies, we surveyed natural nodulation of native leguminous trees growing in different agro-ecological zones in Southern Ethiopia, isolated 400 rhizobia, and characterized them based on different phenotypic and genotypic methods. In the present study we characterized 18 strains belonging to the genus Mesorhizobium, isolated from nodules of Acacia abyssinica, A. senegal, A. tortilis and Sesbania sesban. Phylogenetic analysis of nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene grouped the test strains into three distinct clades separated from all currently recognized Mesorhizobium species. Three divergent strains formed separate branches while the other 15 strains formed three distinct groups, genospecies I-III. Grouping of the isolates under study based on the house-keeping genes recA, gyrB, rpoB and gltA were consistent and in agreement with that of 16S rRNA. Similarly phylogenetic relationships based on the symbiosis-related genes nodC, nodA and nifH were generally similar to those shown by the core genes, suggesting that these Acacia and Sesbania symbionts have a long history of separate evolution within Mesorhizobium. Cross inoculation experiments demonstrated a large variation in the ability of the test strains to elicit effective nodules. The Sesbania isolates, occupying a distinct clade in the nodC phylogenetic tree, formed effective nodules only with this host legume. The study strongly suggests that this collection of Mesorhizobium strains comprises several new species, and also indicates the role of the symbiotic genes in determining the host range of these bacteria.     

Cloning of casbene and neocembrene synthases from Euphorbiaceae plants and expression in Saccharomycescerevisiae

A large number of diterpenes have been isolated from Euphorbiaceae plants, many of which are of interest due to toxicity or potential therapeutic activity. Specific Euphorbiaceae diterpenes of medical interest include the latent HIV-1 activator prostratin (and related 12-deoxyphorbol esters), the analgesic resiniferatoxin, and the anticancer drug candidate ingenol 3-angelate. In spite of the large number of diterpenes isolated from these plants and the similarity of their core structures, there is little known about their biosynthetic pathways. Other than the enzymes involved in gibberellin biosynthesis, the only diterpene synthase isolated to date from the Euphorbiaceae has been casbene synthase, responsible for biosynthesis of a macrocyclic diterpene in the castor bean (Ricinus communis). Here, we have selected five Euphorbiaceae species in which to investigate terpene biosynthesis and report on the distribution of diterpene synthases within this family. We have discovered genes encoding putative casbene synthases in all of our selected Euphorbiaceae species and have demonstrated high-level casbene production through expression of four of these genes in a metabolically engineered strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The only other diterpene synthase found among the five plants was a neocembrene synthase from R. communis (this being the first report of a neocembrene synthase gene). Based on the prevalence of casbene synthases, the lack of other candidates, and the structure of the casbene skeleton, we consider it likely that casbene is the precursor to a large number of Euphorbiaceae diterpenes. Casbene production levels of 31 mg/L were achieved in S. cerevisiae and we discuss strategies to further increase production by maximizing flux through the mevalonate pathway.